1983 Endeavour 37
Name: Edward M. Phillips ephil49932@aol.com
Boat Name: MAG MELL
Year: 1983
Size: 37' cutter, B-plan
Date Purchased: 1997
Previous Owner History:
Bought new by "Richard Timmons" in 1983. Sailed it from Florida to New Zealand via Panama Canal. It returned after refit in Auckland in 1990 to Olympia Washington.
Your Sailing Experience:
Coastal Pacific North West.
Boat Review:
I did considerable research before buying the 37 Endeavour "B" plan. There is a tremendous amount of info out there...Not all of it correct. I found one of the best sources to be the "Ask another owner" section in Crusing World. Lots of owners, lots of good reports. I got tons of info, plus videos! I also researched articles involving the boat in storm conditions. Lynn & Larry Paradays account ("Capable Crusier'') of an Endvr 37 making it thru the big blow in Cabo San Lucas sold me as far as it being something I'd cross the ocean with. (leaving on circum nav in two years). There was another article in which an Endeavour 37 held up in a hurricane, and I spoke with the current owner of the Endeavour Cat Corp. He bought the name based on the boat's reputation for being strong/well built. The Practical Sailor review I read was done in the "A"plan, and it was a sloop without a bow sprit. My boat is rigged differently, so I did not know what would apply. Then I read another review from "Sail", I think?..anyway, they highly recommended the "Tall Mast cutter rigged model'' with the forstay moved forward on the bow sprit, and quite a bit more sail area.. That's what I found and bought. The original advertizing calls it a ''Mark I'' Model. I don't know what the "Mark I'' actually means? After reading the Practical Sailor review I had concerns about sail performance because the hulls are the same on all 37's... so I ran it thru the paces pretty well during sea trials...it's performance was very good on all points, I did have to replace the old style roller furling with a "Harken", it was a good choice, and now that I'm used to the boat I can only say I am very satisfied....Guess to some up this part would be to say I was searching for a sturdy boat with rough water track record, that sailed well, and refit compatible for extended crusing. I am very pleased with what I have. It seems to speak for it's self. The origininal owner sailed it from Florida, thru the canal, to NewZealand, the "Roaring Fourties, all over the Southt Pacific, and back to the Pacific Northwest....No out of the ordinary problems!!! I Just got back from a 285 mile run...Super Boat for the price!
As far as the lesser points of a 15 yr old boat: Ports leak if open, I replaced the verneer around the port areas with laminate that matches fridge and freezer top. also put same on shelf above setee's..looks great, more light, no stains. Need eye brows above ports for sure.
Plumbing not well designed. Tank was too small, and it had a gate valvle (only one on the boat, and in the only place it would plug up!) in the discharge end...took it all out! Replaced head with electric (built in macerator), new hoses (one inch white), and put in larger holding tank. Replumbed the shower drain and Sump pump too. The problem of getting at/out the old hoses was considerable. I have been assured the electric macerator toilets ar fail proof, and have made many crusies...right, I carry a spare motor, and rebuild kit!
I also replaced the old pumps, easier to get to now, and work much better...they were just old, and placement not well thought out.! I am pleased with the refer & freezer..Crosby, still works, and well placed.l...will rebuild though. Propane system and stove good, need more propane storage.
I had some leaking behind the setee's, also there was standing fresh water under the head's molded fiberglass unit after it rained (thats most of time in the Pacific North West!) Checked the chain plates, mast boot, re-calked...still wet! Just got thru re-calking (with 5200) the cap rail...so far so good, but it was a four day job getting it all off, etc, etc.
Motor is strong, not much bad to say about the 4.108 Perkins. I put in much better fuel filtration system than was there. Basic wiring is good, did some rewire/new wire, no problems getting to things as far as boats go.
I have not got into the bilge yet, but from what I can see, the glass work looks good, and when I removed the woodwork behind the settees to fix leaks I noted the construction to be well done, and very heavy as far as glass work. The deck and hull joint is sealed with 5200, and bolted together. I like to error on the side of safety and will redo glass work to reenforce some non structural areas like battery boxes, pump areas, etc. I don't think this would be necessary if I were not going for a long time.
Backing: This is the only boat I have been able to turn in a complete circle backing up, with the wheel turned full opposite in direction!...I have a three blade prop, and it's a night mare going backwards. The reason for this according to experts is because the angle of attack of the prop is bad, but, it is compounded by the fact the engine is at a fairly drastic angle (down)...they don't put them like that any more! I am assured by the makers of "Autoprop" that they can make it all better for a considerable sum...I am saving up for it. It makes a really good boat not much fun in certain circumstances the way things are. The way I see it I got a tremendous buy on this boat, and i'll just consider the "Autoprop" part of the overall price for a great boat!
Don't know if I would consider the autohelm 4000 adequate enough for rough weather, I have a monitor windvane on the list before I go, and will only use the autohem in calmer conditions.
I'm not a rigger, and can't speak much about it. However, this weekend I am taking "Brian Toss's" rigging seminar. He wants us to bring our sail/rigging plans, and I should come back with expert (his) opinions, and will be glad to share what he comes up with.
Theres a bit of clatter when I change from reverse to forward... sometimes....pretty sure it's a cutlass bearing. Cockpit size and ability to drain if pooped is a concern, talked with some top shipwrights, they say aft cockpit area above rear lazerette (right and left side) is an excellant place to put two 4 inch scuppers, that run out aft at a slight angle...sounds good to me, also need to have better seal around the instrument area.
........No Major problems as far as I can tell after one year of ownership, still very, very pleased!!!!
